Chill! Go on an Anti-Turkey Day Foodfest

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

"A full belly makes a dull brain." -- Benjamin Franklin

I'm watching Food Network. Turkey and all the trimmings are featured, year after year. I've made the decision. No way am I cooking or eating the traditional Thanksgiving meal. After viewing all these holiday recipes it would be anti-climatic. 
Now I know some folks have big families and this "anti-turkey cooking protest" won't fly. But it does with me--and it can for you before or after the big day or perhaps on "the" day itself like me. 
So, this year I'm saving one big bird. And, I am also giving my body and spirit a mini vacation without going anywhere. Think stress-free self indulgent fun without fattening food. Just chilling out for the thrill of it.

Gratitude for Healing Foods

The Harvest may be waning, but these pantry staples can keep you on the road to detoxing your body on Thanksgiving or any time you want to give your body a break. 

Personally, I don't want to pack on five pounds (that's the norm) during Turkey Day time. So I'm going to rebel and turn to a detox diet regime before, after-- even during the big day and forego cooking altogether. You know, give my body a feel-good mini-vacation to feel rejuvenated just for me. No guilt from overindulging and it can make you feel good from head to toe...

Not just for salad or a dash of flavor, items like nutrient-dense vinegars, olive oil, herbs and spices and autumn produce are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and other healing properties. Check out these healthful, slim-down foods--including to heal your body, mind and spirit...

NEW gift size, Dec. 2018

Apple Cider Vinegar: In the era of the Romans and Egyptians, there were many potent vinegars onmeal tables. Today, we know apple cider vinegar, especially the natural and organic kind, is high in fiber and rich in potassium, which can help detoxify the body. Apple cider vinegar can balance sodium and potassium levels, which can also aid in weight loss. Pairing its total ingredients, including boron, calcium and enzymes, with nutritious fall fruits and vegetables may help prevent cancer, and heart disease.
Fruit Vinegars: In Japan, vinegar drinks not unlike apple cider vinegar, are made from vitamin-rich fruit. A Korean delight, persimmon vinegar, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are also good for bolstering the immune system to fight off colds and flu in the fall. While it isn’t easily found in the United States, it may be found at Korean supermarkets. For a delightful kick, splash one or two tablespoons per serving on top of grapefruit and oranges.

OLIVE OIL
Like ancient vinegar, olive oil goes way back in time. The olive tree was first cultivated in the Mediterranean countries 6,000 years ago. Since then, olive oil has played a therapeutic role in the diet and provides amazing healing powers, from preventing diabetes to keeping off unwanted pounds, especially when combined with vinegars. 

Olive oil, which is 74 percent heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, contains plenty of healthful nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, along with phytoestrogens and sterols. Olive oil (extra virgin is recommended) is good for the digestive system, helps regularity, lowers cholesterol levels and guards against cancer. Light or regular EVOO can help fill you up not out as I discuss in The Healing Powers of Olive Oil. And don't forget the powers of other earthy eats...

So whether you choose to detox and pamper yourself before, during or after the upcoming foodfest, vinegars, olive oil, teas, and even chocolate can help you to pare unwanted pre-winter pounds and cleanse your body and spirit, too. 

One more thing. Savoring dark chocolate (in moderation) drinking herbal tea or a cup of gourmet coffee, eating veggies and fruits doesn't seem like a serious starve yourself fast but a healthful mini-fast that can be done without hunger pangs and feeling left out of the big holiday.